Stupid question about software for an M1

[mrianforest]

Hi, looking at getting an M1 Mac Mini.

Will ALL of the software I currently use work with it or will I need to wait for M1 compatible versions?

I have one app that’s no longer in development but works fine with Big Sur but am not sure if existing apps need new unified versions or will it all just work?

 

[dmccloud]

Most apps "should" work via Rosetta 2. There will always be some applications that prove to be the exception to this 'rule', but the only way we will know for sure is by people actually installing and running these programs on Apple Silicon. It's impossible to say that "ALL" of your software (or anyone else's, for that matter) will work on the M1, especially since nobody knows what software you're even running.

 

[mrianforest]

I'm guessing that if it's mainstream non-apple software like affinity photo/designer, 1password, dropbox, fantastical, etc. then it should be fine. Maybe more obscure software could be a problem....

 

[MisterMe]

If your software is 32-bit, then it is guaranteed not to run on Catalina, Big Sur, or the new Apple M1 SoC. If your software runs on Catalina, then it is virtually certain to run.

If you are running a version of macOS that is older than Catalina, then the donation ware utility Go64 from St.Claire Software will scan your computer for 32-bit titles.